Benzhu Worship 本主节

Monday, 10. June 2024 in 上阳溪本主庙

Majiuyi village comes to receive the Benzhu.

Benzhu are local protector deities in the Dali area, their worship is a key element of Bai identity. In the Dali area, almost every Bai village has a Benzhu Temple, the home of a local protector spirit. These protector spirits are mostly historic figures, such as local heros, kings, generals or others who have through good deeds won the adulation of the local population. Each Benzhu usually has his own festival day, with activities varying greatly from place to place.

See related festivals.

Shangyangxi's benzhu is 段宗膀, a powerful benzhu. As he helped 马久邑 village overcome a draught, on Dragon Boat Festival the villagers from Majiuyi come to receive Duan Zongbang, carrying the benzhu all the way back to their village. On the way they pass through Nanzhuang village to leave the key to the temple. The benzhu then stays in the Majiuyi until 六月六, when he is sent back to 上阳溪.
Festival held according to lunar calendar on 农历5月初5.